NCT response: BPA ban

Released on: 26 November 2010

The European Commission has announced a ban on the use of bisphenol-A (BPA) plastics in baby bottles. The ban will come into effect during 2011.
The controversial chemical BPA is still currently used in some baby bottles sold in the UK. There is evidence to suggest it can interfere with healthy growth and body functions, and mimics the effect of the hormone oestrogen in the body. Babies are particularly vulnerable to hormone-mimicking effects as they grow rapidly in the early months and years.

Belinda Phipps, Chief Executive, NCT, said:

“We have been calling for a UK ban on selling baby bottles containing bisphenol-A plastics for several years, and are thrilled their import and sale will soon be outlawed across the EU.

“When you put hot liquids into a bottle containing BPA, particularly as the bottle gets older and more scratched, the chemical can leach out of the plastic and be absorbed into the baby’s body.

“There are now viable alternatives to BPA that can be used to produce clear plastic baby bottles, and so there is no reason to continue using this chemical when there is concern about potential risks to young babies.

“We would now like to see BPA plastics banned in other products, as the chemical is also used in the linings of some formula tins and baby food containers.”